Pool complex

The pool complex at Ranc Davaine is truly amazing.

This year, the campsite opened a brand-new water park featuring incredible slides, including space bowls, racer slides, and flumes – all of which add a great thrill factor!

The indoor pool area has a wave ball, lazy river, and river rapids.

alongside that there are deep, shallow, and toddler swimming areas and a splash area.

Outdoors, you’ll find additional pools and kids’ slides.

At the far end of the pool complex, there’s a covered lane pool, a toddler pool, and an uncovered swimming area, ensuring plenty of swimming space.

And that’s not all—further down the campsite, near the main entrance, there’s a “relaxation pool” in a quieter, dome-covered setting. Next to it, there’s also a poolside bar for those who prefer to unwind in peace.

Swimwear rule
Tight-fitting swimwear is mandatory, in line with French pool regulations.

River
The campsite has direct access to the Chassezac River, where you can relax, picnic, and explore the stony pools. However, the river was flowing quite fast during our stay, so I wouldn’t recommend swimming unless you’re a strong swimmer.

This area consists of pebbles, not sand, so bring something comfortable to sit on and wear in the water.

Campsite Facilities
At first glance, given the size of the campsite, you’d expect lots of facilities—but surprisingly, we found the opposite and were left wanting a little more.

Receptions and Check in
The main reception is located in the heart of the campsite, alongside the shop, bar, and play areas. If you’re booked with a tour operator like Eurocamp or Roan, you won’t need to use the main reception much. However, as we arrived early and the Eurocamp rep was busy, we were directed to the main reception to get our wristbands, allowing us to use the facilities while we waited for check-in.

Eurocamp Reception
The Eurocamp reception had plenty of information about the local area displayed on the walls.
Our check-in process was smooth—we called the number on the door, and a staff member arrived on a golf buggy to take our details, hand us a key, and give us a map of the site.

I expected at least a leaflet explaining key campsite information, but we didn’t receive anything. The map was low-quality (looked like a quadruple-photocopied printout) and hard to read. Thankfully, I discovered that the campsite had an app, which included all the necessary details.
Play Areas

There were a few play areas for children and teenagers at Ranc Davaine
Play main area

The main play park had a mix of climbing structures and some unusual play equipment I didn’t recognize. It seemed better suited for older children and lacked traditional elements like swings and slides.
(This park may have been replaced since our stay.)
Play park opposite snack
The play park near the snack at Ranc Davaine was a bit more traditional.
This had the solo seesaw things, a climbing frame, little slides and was perfect for young children.
Our three-year-old loved it, but our one-year-old was more interested in eating dirt (as babies do). Thankfully, there was an even better park for toddlers nearby.
Park by the “secret” pool

Located near the quiet pool area was a perfect park for toddlers. It had a little slide and some small climbing things and was located right next to a chilled out Summer bar so mums and dads could relax too.

Table tennis
Several table tennis tables were available near the main play area. Bring your own bats and balls, or borrow from reception if needed.

Body weight gym
Ranc Davain has a body weight gym area which is located next to the main car parking area.

Football field
There isn’t a dedicated football field, but there is a small astroturf football pitch inside a fenced multi-sports area near the river.

Multi sports area

There is a multi sports area with badminton, volleyball, netball, basketball all available in one place.

Tennis courts
The tennis courts are free to access in April, May, June and September. In July and August reservation is obligatory at reception and it costs €7 per hour. You can also hire your rackets and balls from reception.

Kids Clubs & Facilities
The site has their own kids club which starts at age 5. They had activities like treasure hunts, workshops, games and sports tournaments.

Animation for kids and adults
The campsite had a wide range of entertainment for kids and adults. The mini disco at 8 PM was a highlight—the entertainer was fantastic, full of energy, and engaged the kids well. Afterwards, they often had a concert, karaoke or some sort of show on the stage. The stage is located near the bar.

There were also other activities going on throughout the day like aquagym, volleyball, quizzes and more.
Bars, Restaurants and Takeaway

There were a few options for food and drinks.
L’events Bar

The main bar was a modern looking building with a lovely outdoor terrace. We really enjoyed sitting out here in the evenings near the pool, soaking up the atmosphere.

Inside the bar was very contemporary and the staff were all lovely and friendly. Outside, the comfy cushions could have been washed, but I imagine that’s why most places have plastic chairs and not cushions these days.

On Tuesday nights the bar had a Mojito Mardi from 6pm where you could order a mojito for 7 euros instead of 8.50.

Drink Prices:
- Pint of Corona: €7.40
- Pint of Jupiler: €5.80
- Small glass of rosé: €2.50
- Bottle of rosé: €33
- Coca-Cola pint: €5.80 (cheaper to drink alcohol?!)

The bar also doubles as a breakfast buffet in the mornings (€12 per adult, €9 per child).

It was ok, probably not the best value for money. If you are not getting breakfast you can still get a coffee from here at 1e30 for a black coffee and 4e for a cappuccino.

Pool Bar
The campsites pool bar was a lovely little shack bar located near the “secret” pool. This area was never busy and I think most guests didn’t even know it existed. It was calm, serene and we drank our beer out of funky plastic cups.

Soft drinks here were cheaper but alcoholic drinks were the same price. There was also a cocktail menu serving alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks between 6euors and 7euros.
Ice cream shack
The ice cream and crepe area was located next to the events bar. It was attached but operated separately meaning you couldn’t buy drinks from the ice cream shack and no ice creams from the bar. This was frustrating because quite often one would get drinks and the other would get ice cream and be stuck in a 20 minute long queue and come back to warm drinks.

Unfortunately there was only ever one or two people serving and the hot crepes and waffles took longer than the people wanting to grab a quick ice cream out of the freezer. One day the queue was so bad we went to the shop, bought a packet of ice creams and came back up to eat them. By the time we’d finished, we looked at the queue and our place in the queue still wouldn’t have been served. However, they did have a nice selection of scoop ice creams.
Restaurant

We didn’t eat at the restaurant during our holiday. It looked ok and seemed reasonably busy every night but the menu didn’t overly draw us in. The restaurant was open 12-14 for lunch and 19-22 for dinner. The lunch menu was a lot shorter than the evening menu and consisted of basics like pizzas and burgers whereas the dinner menu was much more extensive with salads, fish, pasta and meat meals. The mains were generally quite reasonably priced but I did think the child’s menu at 12 euros was expensive.
Takeaway/Snack Bar

We used the takeaway at Ranc Davaine to buy pizza one night and they were really fast, efficient and reasonably priced. As well as pizza they also sold nuggets, burgers, kebabs and chips.
Campsite Shop

The campsite shop was located underneath the main bar. It was a Proxi and the staff were always lovely and friendly. You could access the shop via lift at the back of the bar or by going down the steps opposite the main reception. The shop sold fresh bread, pastries and donuts daily and also souvenirs as well as groceries.

Spa (& Beauty salon)
There was a spa situated near the main pool. The services offered include: massage, reflexology, hair removal, facials, children and teen massages and manicures. The spa was open 10-12 and 14-18 but was closed on a Sunday. You can contact them via spa@rancdavaine.fr

Bike Hire
I didn’t notice any bike hire available on the campsite.
Pets
Pets are allowed on the campsite but make sure you check what accommodations they are allowed in and any fees associated with bringing pets with you.
Our Vlog on Youtube at Ranc Davaine Campsite
Available Accommodation

There are lots of different options here from camping emplacements to lodges.
Campsite (other mobiles)

Yelloh village offers a wide range of mobile homes and a selection of lodge tents to customers. The oak lodges look really nice, however I’d be tempted by the large 100m2 camping emplacements if we returned.
Eurocamp

Eurocamp offers classics, comforts, premiums and Ultimate holiday homes. If you are unsure what to pick, you can read my eurocamp accommodation guide here. We stayed in a 2 bedroom classic and it was old, small and I probably wouldn’t choose it again. However, you get what you pay for and as it was the school holidays and we spent less than £400 I really couldn’t complain.
Should I Book Direct Through The Campsite Or Through And Operator?

Booking directly through the campsite often gives you more flexibility in choosing accommodations and access to special deals. However, operators like Eurocamp or Canvas Holidays may provide packages that include ferry crossings or discounts. Comparing options is essential as tour operators sometimes offer better value for families, especially during peak season.
Do You Need A Car To Get Round?

Yes, a car is highly recommended. The campsite is in a rural location, and public transport options are limited. A car allows you to explore the stunning Ardèche region, including the famous Pont d’Arc and nearby villages.
How To Get To The Campsite
The main option is to drive. Our route took us over some incredible mountains and gorgeous scenery, but other holiday makers we spoke to said they didn’t travel over any mountains to get there. If your passengers have travel sickness, definitely try to stick to the straightest routes as our daughter felt so ill from the windy cliffside roads.
The route you take will depend on which ferry crossing you take. Or, which airport you come from.
If you are flying and hiring a car Lyon, Nimes, Marseille and Montpellier are all potential flight options – but you’ll still have a long journey on the road to the campsite.
Should I Hire A Car?

If you’re flying into the region, hiring a car is essential for convenience and to explore the surrounding area. The Ardèche is known for its natural beauty, and many attractions are only accessible by car.
Ferry Port
For travelers from the UK, the nearest ferry ports are:
Calais: Approximately 900 km away.
Caen: About 750 km away.
An overnight stop may be necessary depending on your travel schedule.
Driving Directions
Address: Domaine de Ranc Davaine, 07120 Saint-Alban-Auriolles, France
Directions:
From the A7 motorway, take exit 18 for Montélimar-Sud.
Follow signs for Aubenas and Ruoms, then continue to Saint-Alban-Auriolles.
GPS:
44.415683, 4.276950
Day Trips

Pont d’Arc:

A natural stone arch over the Ardèche River, perfect for kayaking and photography.
Gorges de l’Ardèche:
A stunning canyon with hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Grotte La Cocaliere:

underground cave with tourist train, child friendly.
La Ferme aux Crocodiles:
A unique wildlife park featuring reptiles and tropical plants.
Avignon:

Known for the iconic Pont d’Avignon and the magnificent Palais des Papes, this historic city is a must-visit for its rich history and culture.
Dinosaur Parc:
Located near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, this family-friendly park offers life-sized dinosaur models, educational exhibits, and plenty of activities for kids.

Pont du Gard:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Roman aqueduct is a masterpiece of engineering and an incredible place to visit for history enthusiasts and families alike. Enjoy scenic walks, a museum, and swimming in the nearby river.

FAQ’s

Are The Mobiles Close Together?
No, we didn’t find it overly cramped at all. Some of the pitches had lovely large gardens on them.
Is The Campsite Flat?
The campsite is relatively flat but the road leading to the river isn’t.

Are There Mosquitos?
Yes, mosquitos can be an issue in summer due to the nearby river. Bring insect repellent.
Is It Easy To Get A Sunbed Around The Pool?
We always managed to find a sun lounger in the high season. As the pool area is so large there is a lot of space around pools.

Do You Need To Wear A Wristband?
Yes, wristbands are required for access to facilities like the pool and activities.
Do Men Have To Wear Swim Trunks?
Yes, tight-fitting swimwear (e.g., Speedos) is mandatory, as per French pool regulations.
What’s The Weather Like In Spring/Summer?
Early Spring (April): 12-18°C, Late Spring (May): 15-22°C, Early Summer (June): 20-28°C, Peak Summer (July-August): 25-35°C, The campsite’s location in Southern Ardèche ensures warm, pleasant weather perfect for camping. There may be moderate rainfall in Spring and intense sunshine in Summer.

Can You Park On Your Pitch/Emplacement?
Yes, most emplacements allow parking directly on the pitch.
Can You Take Pets On The Campsite?
Yes, pets are welcome but may be restricted in some accommodations. Always confirm when booking.
Is There Disabled Accessibility On The Campsite?
There is in the Bar, Sanitation blocks, Shop, Reception, Restaurant and other facilities however the pool areas and the walk to the river may be more challenging due to terrain.
Where’s The Nearest Supermarket?
The campsite has a small shop, but for larger shopping trips, head to Ruoms, about 5 km away, which has a Carrefour and other stores.
Is It Loud In The Evenings?
Entertainment areas can be lively, but quieter pitches are available away from the main facilities.
What Can We Do If It Rains?
Visit nearby caves like the Grotte La Cocaliere, explore local museums, or enjoy indoor campsite activities like the pool, restaurant and bar.
Review Conclusion
Our Holiday at Ranc Davaine
